Director of Academic Operations , School of Optometry Dean

Director of Academic Operations (4801C), School of Optometry Dean - 83914

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity‑focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full‑time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities.

Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

The Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science encompasses a broad range of instruction, research, training, and clinical activity that includes three distinct academic degree programs:
Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), Doctor of Philosophy, and Residency. We educate an estimated 320 students annually. Our O.D. program is a 4‑year program with clinical training provided at 3 campus clinics, numerous satellite clinics, VA clinics, and external clinics across the country. Our one‑year post‑graduate residency programs provide advanced clinical education in specialty areas of optometry with placement on and off campus and our Vision Science program averages 40 PhD students.

The mission of the school is currently executed by ladder rank faculty members, professors of clinical optometry, full and part‑time health sciences clinical faculty, emeriti faculty, staff, professional researchers and visiting faculty and postdoctoral research scholars.

The Director of Academic Operations reports to the Sr. Assistant Dean and has a dotted reporting line to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (ADAA). The Director provides strategic and operational management and support of academic and research processes. This role oversees daily academic processes, facilitates oral and written communication across departments, and ensures compliance with institutional policies and accreditation standards.

The manager coordinates course scheduling, faculty workload processes, academic reporting, and resource allocation to maintain smooth and efficient academic functions. Working closely with the Associate Dean, Sr. Assistant Dean and other senior leaders, the Academic Operations Manager provides analytical, administrative, and project management support to advance strategic initiatives, enhance academic quality, and improve the overall student and faculty experience.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 02/11/2026.

• Manages, plans, and administers a full range of administrative operations including but not limited to:
  Timely submission of appointment data for Smartsheets to campus People & Culture for processing within the UC Path (payroll) system.
• Support leadership with management development programs, onboarding/induction and other training initiatives.
• Prepare and distribute HR appointment letters as required and per campus policies and union contract terms.
• Provide administrative support to School Leadership and Faculty Chairs. This includes scheduling and supporting faculty meetings, faculty votes, recruitments, leaves and separations.
• Using campus systems such as AP Bears and AP Recruit for timely…